Ever since Volcarona learned how to read and could independently watch and reply to the livestream chat, Theo, the so called host, had long since become a host in name only, completely reduced to a part time role.
The one truly controlling the stream from the front was clearly Volcarona itself.
That afternoon, Theo had been entirely focused on exchanging Pokémon training knowledge with Winona, listening to her talk about strange stories from different regions, and occasionally joining the children to experience flying. He had no time at all to check his private messages.
Even when he glanced at the livestream from time to time, the chat was filled with things like "I want to ride Metagross" and "I want to sit on Volcarona," so he had absolutely no idea that the big donation had actually come from Cynthia.
Theo did not dare delay. He immediately closed the system panel and initiated a video call to Cynthia.
Beep, beep, beep.
No answer.
He called again.
Beep, beep, beep.
Still no answer.
Theo took a deep breath and dialed a third time, silently complaining about Volcarona's "lack of sense" countless times in his mind.
Finally, the call connected.
But the one who appeared on the screen was not Cynthia. Instead, it was Garchomp, holding a chunk of meat in its mouth, its cheeks puffed out.
"Garchomp, where's Cynthia?"
Theo quickly asked.
Garchomp mumbled indistinctly, its claws gesturing around its neck and stomach, first making a rubbing motion on its neck, then patting its belly.
Theo had absolutely no idea what it was trying to say. At that moment, Metagross leaned into the camera and calmly translated for him.
"She's taking a shower."
"How is her mood today? Um… has she been angry?"
Theo asked cautiously.
Garchomp immediately nodded like a pecking chicken, not even bothering to chew the meat in its mouth. It shoved one of its claws toward the camera with a pitiful expression, indicating that Cynthia had been taking her anger out on it, pounding it so much that its claw had turned bruised.
Theo stared at the smooth, glossy blue dragon claw on the screen, which showed not a single mark, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
Bruised? Your skin is already blue. Even if it were bruised, no one could tell…
Forget it. That was not the important part. Theo shook off those irrelevant thoughts and began thinking about how he should praise and coax Cynthia once she finished her shower.
Suddenly!
A pitch black head suddenly squeezed into the screen from the other side, still holding a piece of roasted meat in its mouth. The pair of crimson axe shaped tusks extending from its upper jaw were especially eye catching.
Theo's pupils shrank sharply.
A shiny Haxorus!
This was way too cool!
Its jet black scales glowed faintly, paired with those massive, red glowing tusks at the corners of its mouth, making it so handsome that it was impossible to look away.
This was one of Theo's favorite dragon type Pokémon from his previous life, second only to the black Rayquaza.
In an instant, Theo completely forgot about coaxing Cynthia. His eyes locked onto the screen, and even his breathing became lighter.
When Garchomp saw that this black fellow had stolen the spotlight, it immediately became unhappy. It roared twice at it and started complaining to Theo nonstop, grumbling that this black Pokémon had taken its position. It truly did not understand what was so good looking about this pitch black creature, and why everyone thought it was handsome.
It was simply too strange.
Clearly, blue was the best color.
Tyrantrum on the side came over and shook its head in disagreement, arguing with Garchomp. It firmly believed that red was the best color.
Volcarona also flew over to express its support, insisting that red was the best color!
Several Pokémon were noisily arguing in front of the camera, but Theo did not hear a single word. His entire mind was filled with one thought.
Could shiny traits be inherited? If they could…
While Theo was lost in wild thoughts, the screen suddenly shook. A slender, fair hand reached over and pushed the Pokémon crowding the camera aside.
Cynthia's face appeared on the screen, her hair still dripping with water. She had clearly just finished showering.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the bath, making her look especially radiant and beautiful.
Theo stared straight at her, seeing this completely different side of Cynthia compared to her usual cold and elegant appearance in formal attire. He was momentarily lost in a daze, and even his breathing softened.
"Have you seen enough?"
Cynthia crossed her arms. Her tone was cold and carried a trace of anger, yet the tips of her ears had quietly turned a faint shade of red that she could not hide.
"N-no, not enough…"
Theo answered instinctively, then immediately realized something was wrong and hurriedly corrected himself.
"No, no, that's not what I meant. I mean… I was just too busy today and didn't check my phone, so I didn't see your messages. I'm really sorry."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow, her tone carrying a hint of jealousy.
"Oh? Busy comforting your dear Sister Winona, so you had no time to check your messages?"
"It's not what you think!"
Theo quickly explained.
"I was just trying to get the badge so I could participate in the Ever Grande Conference, and then challenge the Hoenn Elite Four and Champion. After all, Sister Cynthia, you're the Champion of Sinnoh."
Cynthia's tone became slightly unnatural, her words stumbling a bit.
"W-what does me being the Sinnoh Champion have to do with you? Don't drag me into this.
When I sent the donation, your stream replied with 'nice meeting you.' What does that mean? We've known each other for so long. Does that still count as a first meeting?"
"That was it being clueless!"
Theo immediately pushed the blame onto Volcarona.
"It only knows a few words and just replied randomly. Don't take it to heart."
Volcarona, who heard this from the side, buzzed in dissatisfaction.
It knew plenty of words, and it had clearly followed its trainer's instructions. How was that clueless?
Seeing Theo hurriedly explaining himself, Cynthia's anger had actually subsided quite a bit, but she still refused to let him off verbally.
"Hmph, I think you did it on purpose. When you chat with me, why don't I see you being this good at comforting people?"
"Well, that's because we're familiar with each other."
Theo went along with it, softening his tone.
"It was my first serious battle with Gym Leader Winona, so I had to be more polite. If you're unhappy, how about I sing you a song?"
"Who wants to hear you sing!"
Cynthia's cheeks turned slightly red as she snapped, though her gaze had clearly softened.
"By the way, did you get the Feather Badge?"
"Yeah, I got it."
Theo waved the badge in his hand.
"Next, I just need to wait until after the new year to prepare for the Ever Grande Conference and the final Grand Festival."
"That works perfectly."
Cynthia's eyes lit up.
"I've just finished my business here and I'm on my way back. After I report to Chairman Goodshow, if I have time, I can be your sparring partner."
"Really?"
Theo asked in surprise.
"Of course."
Cynthia snorted softly and deliberately shifted the camera to the side, letting the black Haxorus appear on screen.
"When the time comes, I'll let you see whether my 'ordinary trainer' strength is weaker than your special abilities."
Theo's attention was instantly drawn back to the shiny Haxorus. He nodded repeatedly.
"Sure, sure, I'll definitely learn from you then!"
"Hm? What did you just say?"
Cynthia suddenly raised her voice.
"No, no, no, that's not what I meant. I mean, thank you, Sister Cynthia, for taking time out of your busy schedule to guide me.
With your guidance, wouldn't I easily be able to step on Steven and punch Wallace, effortlessly taking the Hoenn Champion title?"
(End of Chapter)